Robert Thompson has always devoted his full energy to serving our customers and supporting the employees we count on to deliver that service – in our pharmacies and in the rest of the business.

Joining Rite Aid Corporation in 2004, Thompson served in a variety of management positions including senior vice president, pharmacy operations, and senior vice president, operations for the northeastern division. In 2009 he was named executive vice president of pharmacy in 2009 and held that position until announcing his recent retirement.

Thompson’s nearly-four decade pharmacy career began at the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy. As a practicing pharmacist, in 1978 he joined the former Revco drug store chain and worked his way up to store manager and several management positions until becoming vice president, pharmacy operations until 1995.

Prior to joining Rite Aid, Thompson was involved in operations and new business development for several health-care related businesses, including the fourth largest dental practice management company in the U.S. and an international medical equipment manufacturer.

Harold W. Pratt – for whom the award is named – dedicated himself to many years of service at Walgreens, becoming the industry’s first director of professional services. Over the course of his 43 years of service to Walgreens, Pratt came to be recognized as the “Dean” of pharmacy professional service directors. He worked tirelessly to grow and promote pharmacy operations.

The annual Pratt Award was established in 1985 by the NACDS Board of Directors and recognizes individuals whose activities have contributed to the promotion, recognition and improvement of the practice of pharmacy within the chain drug industry.

“Robert Thompson has always devoted his full energy to serving our customers and supporting the employees we count on to deliver that service – in our pharmacies and in the rest of the business,” said Randy Edeker, chairman, CEO and president, Hy-Vee, Inc. and NACDS chairman of the board of directors, in presenting the award. “Robert is fully-deserving of NACDS’ highest industry recognition and we are honored to bestow the distinguished Harold W. Pratt award upon him. We thank him for his service to pharmacy, and we wish him well in his retirement.”

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National Association of Chain Drug Stores

NACDS represents traditional drug stores, supermarkets and mass merchants with pharmacies. Chains operate over 40,000 pharmacies, and NACDS’ over 80 chain member companies include regional chains, with a minimum of four stores, and national companies. Chains employ nearly 3 million individuals, including 157,000 pharmacists. They fill over 3 billion prescriptions yearly, and help patients use medicines correctly and safely, while offering innovative services that improve patient health and healthcare affordability. NACDS members also include more than 900 supplier partners and over 70 international members representing 21 countries.